Opera singer Renata Scotto has died aged 89.
The soprano died on Wednesday in her hometown of Savona, it has been confirmed.
Born in 1935, Scotto rose to fame after studying music in Milan aged 16, performing the title role of Puccini’s Madama Butterfly in her hometown.
She went on to hold roles in La Boheme, played Violetta in Verdi’s La Traviata and Bellini’s Norma.
Between 1965 and 1987, Scotto delivered more than 300 performances at the Metropolitan Opera across 26 roles.
She retired in 2002, and then turned to directing and teaching, coaching singers including Deborah Voigt and Anna Netrebko.
In a 2007 interview with The Associated Press, she said: ‘I like to live in the present.’
‘Of course, I watch my DVDs. I enjoyed every second of my career,’ she continued.
‘Now I live with the young singers. I love them so much.’
Tributes have been paid from singers and fans alike, with Spanish opera singer Placido Domingo writing: ‘Heartbroken by the passing of Renata Scotto, one of the greatest opera singers of all times, a dedicated teacher to young singers, and to me personally, one of my most frequent partners on stage with well over 100 performances together throughout our careers, and above anything else, a Dearest Friend. Renata now has joined her devoted husband Lorenzo in Heaven. Rest in peace, carissima Renata.’
Grammy-winning singer Michelle DeYoung wrote: ‘To the great Renata Scotto. Thank you for the many lessons, personally and onstage. Thank you for your graciousness, class, and wealth of information. You were one of the greats. R.I.P.’
One fan wrote: ‘I was named after her and saw her perform in many performances at@MetOpera as a little girl. She took us away to new places and new lands with her performances. She will be missed.’
Another said: ‘One of the greatest Manon Lescauts to ever grace the stage. The incomparable Renata Scotto. The heavenly choir has a magnificent addition. RIP.’
Scotto is survived her her daughter Laura Anselmi Miller, son Filippo Anselmi and two grandchildren.
